Kilchoman Distillery

    Islay's Farm Distillery

    Rockside Farm, Northwest Islay
    Founded 2005
    Status: Active

    History & Heritage

    Founded in 2005 by Anthony Wills, Kilchoman is Islay's farm distillery and the first new distillery built on the island in 124 years. Located on Rockside Farm on the northwest coast, Kilchoman represents a return to traditional Scottish farm distilling.

    What makes Kilchoman unique is its "field to bottle" approach. The distillery grows its own barley on the surrounding 270-acre farm, malts it on-site with local peat, distills, matures, and bottles the whisky all in the same location—complete control from grain to glass.

    Since releasing its first whisky in 2009, Kilchoman has established itself as a producer of high-quality, artisanal single malts that capture the essence of modern Islay whisky-making while honoring traditional methods.

    Whisky Expressions

    Kilchoman's farm-to-bottle single malts

    Kilchoman Machir Bay

    The flagship expression. Named after the nearby beach, balanced peat with tropical fruit notes.

    Peated
    46% ABV
    No Age Statement

    Kilchoman Sannaig

    Matured in a higher proportion of sherry casks for richer, deeper flavors with balanced smoke.

    Peated
    46% ABV
    Sherry Cask Influence

    Kilchoman 100% Islay

    Made entirely from barley grown on Rockside Farm. True farm-to-bottle expression.

    Peated
    50% ABV
    100% Farm Grown

    Kilchoman Loch Gorm

    Exclusively matured in Oloroso sherry casks, showcasing the distillery's sherry cask program.

    Peated
    46% ABV
    100% Sherry Casks

    Production Process

    Farm-Grown Barley

    Kilchoman grows its own Publican barley variety on 270 acres surrounding the distillery. This provides about 30% of the distillery's annual requirements.

    On-Site Malting

    Traditional floor malting using local peat from Castlehill bog creates moderate phenol levels (20-25 ppm). Hand-turned every 8 hours during the 7-day process.

    Distillation

    Two small copper pot stills allow for precise control and high-quality new-make spirit. The compact size enables careful monitoring of every batch.

    On-Site Maturation

    Maturation in a mix of bourbon barrels and sherry casks in traditional dunnage warehouses on the farm, influenced by the Atlantic coastal environment.

    Location

    Distillery Tours

    Last updated: 2026-08-28

    Classic Tour

    Gain an insight into the day-to-day running of the distillery starting on the malt floor with a dram of Kilchoman's 100% Islay. Walk through the distillery production accompanied by one of the friendly guides, visit the warehouse and finish with a dram in the Visitor Centre. A tasting glass is included and drivers drams are available if required.

    £18

    1 hour 15 minutes
    • Distillery tour
    • Malting floor experience
    • Warehouse visit

    Roving Tour

    This roving tasting tour promises to be a treat for all your senses. Enjoy a dram in each area of the Distillery, including the traditional malting floor, stillhouse and one of the dunnage style warehouses before heading back to the visitor centre to taste the latest shop exclusive single cask.

    £30

    1 hour 30 minutes
    • Multi-location tasting
    • Malting floor
    • Stillhouse

    Warehouse Tasting

    An exclusive warehouse tasting experience where guests sample a selection of cask-drawn whiskies in Kilchoman's atmospheric dunnage warehouses. Explore the influence of different cask types on maturation and discover limited edition expressions.

    £45

    18+ only
    1 hour
    • Warehouse access
    • Cask-drawn tastings
    • Limited edition expressions

    100% Islay Experience

    The ultimate Kilchoman experience exploring the full 'field to bottle' journey. From the barley fields to the malting floor, through production and into the warehouses, experience every stage of Kilchoman's unique single farm single malt process with comprehensive tastings throughout.

    £65

    18+ only. Premium experience
    2 hours
    • Full field to bottle tour
    • Barley fields visit
    • Comprehensive tastings

    Guided Tasting

    A guided tasting session in the Kilchoman Visitor Centre exploring a range of expressions. Choose from core range or premium tastings featuring limited edition and single cask bottlings.

    £25 - £40

    No tour included. Tasting only
    45 minutes - 1 hour
    • Expert-led tasting
    • Core range or premium options
    • Visitor Centre setting
    Book Tour Online

    Whisky Deals & Distillery Specials

    Contact & Hours

    +44 (0)1496 850011

    Rockside Farm

    Bruichladdich

    Isle of Islay PA49 7UT

    Opening Hours

    Mon-Fri: 10:00 - 17:00

    Sat-Sun: 11:00 - 16:00

    *Closed January for maintenance

    How to Get There

    By Ferry

    Port Askaig ferry terminal is closest (15 miles). Follow A847 to Bruichladdich area.

    By Car

    Free parking. From Bowmore, take A847 north to Bruichladdich, then follow signs.

    By Bus

    Limited bus service to Bruichladdich area. Check with Islay Coaches for schedules.

    Nearby Attractions

    Machir Bay Beach

    Beautiful sandy beach that inspired the distillery's flagship whisky name.

    Bruichladdich Distillery

    5 miles southeast. Innovative distillery with progressive whisky-making approach.

    Rhinns Lighthouse

    Scenic lighthouse at the westernmost point of Islay with coastal walks.

    Saligo Bay

    Dramatic coastal scenery and excellent surfing beach on the west coast.